Poe wants free internet in transport terminals, stops

Senator Grace Poe. INQUIRER.net / CATHY MIRANDA

Senator Grace Poe has filed a bill which seeks to provide free internet access and clean sanitary facilities in land transportation terminals, stations, stops and rest areas in the country.

Under Senate Bill Number 1695, which Poe filed last February 14, all owners, operators, or administrators of transport terminals are mandated to provide passengers with free internet services, pursuant to the Free Internet Access in Public Spaces Act.

The proposed measure also seeks to give passengers access to free and clean sanitary facilities in public terminals. It also imposes a P5,000 fine for each day of violation.

“Traveling is an important part of Pinoy culture. A survey by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) found that freedom to travel is an important part of what Filipinos want for their families,” Poe said in filing the bill.

“An efficient and functional inter-province transport system is essential to ensuring that Filipinos travel safely,” she added. /cbb